Liberty City Hosts Christmas On 15th Avenue Parade & Toy Drive

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The 8th annual Xmas on 15th Giveaway and Parade kicked off Saturday in Liberty City in celebration of the holiday season.

City leaders joined Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and non-profit Ark of the City to serve inner-city youth with an event encouraging community bonding for an area infamous for violence.

"We need to send a message that the streets belong to the families, to the children, to the residents. And that is what this is all about," said Mayor Regalado.

A toy giveaway followed food, entertainment and a parade that went from N.W. 71st Street and 12th Avenue, then south to N.W. 62nd Street and 2nd Avenue, and west to 62nd Street and 15th Avenue, ending at 6849 N.W. 15th Avenue.

For the past 7 years, Ark of the City has provided more than 8,000 children with toys and a smile for the holidays.